ones while driving until they are the ones involved in the accidents. Although regulations will not stop all accidents like this from happening, simple economics will tell you that it can decrease the chances of it happening. A persons own demand derived from their private marginal benefit from the use of a cell phone may cause the person to overuse or use cell phones too much while driving. However, if there is a social cost to using a cell phone, the possibility of incurring a fine could cause the person to limit use of the phone while driving to what is efficient for society.With the current available data, it is not possible to analyze the difference mandating hands-free devices will make. According to one cognitive study, the act of talking on a phone itself can impair the drivers ability. If we add that one hand is occupied by having to hold the phone , the picture probably wont get any better for cell phones and driving. Perhaps with more studies, we will find that hands-free devices alone cannot significantly reduce the danger of using a cell phone but as for now, many regulators are arguing that it is a first step to increasing the safety of the environment. Drivers will have both hands free to make necessary maneuvers in emergencies. The NHTSA reported that 20-30 percent of all accidents are caused by distractions but the NHTSA cannot conclude the extent of the role of cell phones in accidents in comparison to other distracting factors. However, in order to decrease the amount of accidents caused by distractions, some distractions must be eliminated or prohibited. It is not generally politically feasible to suggest that stereos be banned or eating. Cell phone regulations offer a way for public officials to lessen the effects of one of the many distracting activities that drivers engage in behind the wheel. Whether or not the studies show a large or small number of accidents resulting from the use of cell phones, th...
